RENFE, the Spanish public rail service, has secured a prestigious World Travel Market Global Award in recognition of its creation of a rail network serving all the regions of the Iberian Peninsula.

Reed Travel Exhibitions Chairman World Travel Market Fiona Jeffery presented the award to Teófilo Serrano Beltrán, President, RENFE, at today’s (Monday 7 November) WTM VIP Opening & Reception Ceremony.

WTM’s Global Media Network, comprising of key travel industry media around the world, put forward organisations and individuals which have contributed to their region’s travel and tourism industry. RENFE was nominated by Hosteltur. Its Editor, Joaquín Molina, jointly presented the award with Jeffery.

Problems which have plagued the Iberian Peninsula for decades have ended thanks to RENFE’s joined-up services which have recently seen the Portuguese ports of Lisbon, Leixões and Sines connected to Spain. These new services have provided a viable alternative for road freight, freeing up the roads, alleviating congestion and solving traffic problems for holidaymakers. RENFE’s new high speed trains have also lessened the journey times between Spanish cities while disabled visitors can also make full use of an accessibility plan covering all services. The improved trains will also help lower the region’s CO2 emissions, as the services release seven times fewer emissions than aircraft.

Jeffery said: “The linking up of the Iberian Peninsula through efficient rail links has led to innumerable benefits for both those living in the region and holidaymakers choosing to visit it.”

Every year, World Travel Market Global Awards are presented. The other 2011 winners are: The Travel Corporation Canada, Italy’s Chapter of the Green Meeting Industry Council, Butlins, the Renaissance Moscow Hotel, the Middle East’s WILD Guanabana, India-based The Lalit Group, Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, Sao Paulo Turismo and the Caribbean’s Sandals Foundation.